Free Online Metronome
Play a steady beat with adjustable tempo, accent, and time signature.
Clicks are scheduled ahead of time with the Web Audio API so they stay steady even when the page is busy. The first beat of each bar is accented when the accent option is enabled.
About the Online Metronome
A metronome provides a steady reference pulse for practice, rehearsal, recording, and dance. This browser-based
metronome uses the Web Audio API to schedule clicks with sample-accurate timing rather than relying on
setInterval alone. A timer wakes up periodically, looks ahead by a fraction of a second, and queues
every click that should occur in that window. The audio clock then plays each click at the intended moment,
which avoids the cumulative drift and jitter that affect simple JavaScript timers.
Tempo, beats, and bars
Tempo is expressed in beats per minute. At 60 BPM there is one beat every second; at 120 BPM there are two beats per second. The beats per bar setting controls how many clicks occur before the pattern restarts and determines where the accent falls. In 4/4 time, beats one and three are often emphasised, but this tool accents only the first beat, which is the most common practice aid. Odd meters such as 5, 7, or 11 are useful for progressive music, Balkan rhythms, and contemporary jazz.
Subdivisions
- Quarter notes — one click per beat, the default pulse.
- Eighth notes — two clicks per beat, helpful for slow tempos and swing preparation.
- Triplets — three clicks per beat, useful for shuffle, waltz, and compound-meter practice.
- Sixteenth notes — four clicks per beat, demanding but excellent for precision and articulation.
Subdivision clicks are quieter and higher or lower in pitch so the main beat remains easy to follow. The visual indicator highlights the main beats only; the subdivisions are audible but not displayed as separate dots.
Using the metronome effectively
Start slower than the target tempo and increase only when you can play evenly without tension. Practise with the click on the beat, then try placing the click on offbeats to develop independence. For recording, leave a bar or two of count-in before the performance begins. Keep the volume moderate, especially with headphones, and take breaks if the click becomes fatiguing. The browser must receive a user gesture before audio can start, which is why the click track waits for the start button.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the metronome not start automatically?
Browsers block audio until the user interacts with the page. Pressing Start creates or resumes the audio context and begins scheduling clicks.
Can I change tempo while it is playing?
Yes. Adjust the tempo slider or number field and the next scheduled beats use the new interval. Already queued clicks may finish at the previous tempo.
Is the click track suitable for recording?
It is stable enough for practice and demos, but a DAW's internal click is usually preferable for critical recording because it can be routed separately and aligned to the project grid.